Taste changes during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Head and Neck Cancer
• Radiotherapy Side Effects

Background:

• Taste changes, or dysgeusia, are a significant side effect of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.
• These taste alterations are linked to malnutrition, the need for feeding tubes, and reduced treatment adherence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence and characteristics of taste changes in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.
• To explore patient-reported experiences and management strategies for dysgeusia during treatment.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory - Head and Neck (MDASI-HN) questionnaire.
• Collected data from patients during weeks 1 and 4 of radical radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.
• Administered supplementary questions to patients experiencing dysgeusia.

Main Results:

• 97% of patients reported taste changes by week 4, with 77% experiencing moderate to severe changes.
• Taste alterations were reported as early as week 1 by 30% of participants.
• Patients with oropharyngeal, oral cavity, and parotid gland tumors, as well as females, were more likely to develop dysgeusia.

Conclusions:

• Patients should be informed about the high likelihood and early onset of taste changes during head and neck cancer radiotherapy.
• Advising a softer diet that requires less chewing can improve tolerance for patients with dysgeusia.
• Further research is needed to understand why females are at higher risk for developing taste changes.